by Bonny Capps
Fiddle steps forward and bows, “My lady, it is more of a pleasure than you know.” Andre pats him on the back and Fiddle places a hand on his shoulder, squeezing it tightly. “We need to prepare the others.” I say, looking to Fynn. “I think they are already prepared.” He responds, smirking as he leans on the barn. I turn and see dozens of bears, Nomads, Amphians and pirates. It is a beautiful sight; The Order which was broken is coming together once again.
I approach them and they all bow in unison, “This battle will surely be a feat, but I have faith in each and every one of you. We will defeat Hasset and the dead army, side by side. We are all brothers and sisters now.” I feel a hand on my arm. Makin stands beside me, his kind eyes staring into mine, “Would you accompany me for a ride through the Wood Land?” I smile, “Of course, I would love to.”
“Hi.” I say, looking into Skye’s eyes. “Hello Mandy.” She responds in my subconscious. Once she and Elspath are saddled, Makin and I climb on and make our way from the kingdom into the woods. “Tell me more about the watchers.” I say, looking over to Makin. He sighs heavily, why is he so apprehensive about telling me? He comes to a halt and I do the same. “The watchers, they are secretive asset to the order, they are the protectors, they stand at the gateways that lead to our world.” I look at him quizzically, “I don’t understand.” Makin’s eyes lock onto mine, “You feel like you’ve known Fynn forever?” I nod. “There is reason for that, the mirror – it was his post. He’s been there forever.”
Oh my God. This is making sense now. “Him pulling you in, it is against the order. His sole purpose is to stand his post, never to reach out to an outsider.” He pauses, “But, I am happy he did. Without you, none of this would be possible.” “What will come of it, him breaking The Order?” I ask. Makin shakes his head, “I do not have an answer for that. It is for the elders to decide. I am startled when I hear a buzz by my ear, “Mac?” I reach out my hand and she lands in my palm, “Mandy, the kingdom – it has been attacked!”
I tap my heel on Skye’s side and she jolts forward. Makin is close behind. Once we approach the kingdom, my heart is nearly jumping from my chest as I see smoke rising to the sky. We enter and I am horrified to find the once beautiful courtyard ransacked. The roofs of the houses and stores are on fire, smoke is billowing out the windows. The once beautiful bird spouting water has been broken in half. I dismount Skye and my eyes wildly search the damage. What the hell is going on?
I spot Fynn sitting on a wooden barrel and Bett is dabbing a wound above his eyebrow with a cloth. It’s a pretty nasty cut. I run up to them and look from Fynn to her, “What the hell happened?” Fynn’s jaw is tensing as he looks up at me, “A warning.” He replies before standing. “Hasset?” I whisper. Fynn nods, “She sent the demons. They barreled through here and destroyed the place. They looked like mere shadows.” Andre, Makin and Breck surround us. I look towards Andre, “Show us to the ships, we must depart – soon.”
Andre shows us to the ship yard. These ships are monstrous compared to the others. They have four cannons down each side and their Royal blue sales are flapping in the wind. I look towards Breck, “These are much safer, in case there are more water demons.” Breck nods and walks away. I look over to Andre and Fynn, “How is our weapon’s supply?” “It’s good, every man will be equipped.” Andre responds. “And their armor?” I ask. Andre nods.
Fynn and I stand side by side on the dock in silence. The sun has begun to set and the water is reflecting oranges and purples – It is stunning. I look over to Fynn. I remember when I first saw him there – in my mirror. I’ve grown to love him so much. He risked everything to save me; I don’t know if I can ever repay him. I have grown to love this place and the friends I have met along the way. Now they all look up to me, they want me to make a change for them. All the years that I have been wallowing in sadness, I could have been here.
Fynn wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me close. “Come, let’s go for a walk.”
We walk for some time around the outskirts of the kingdom until Fynn comes to a halt. He puts his finger to his lips and grabs my hand. He leads me over to a drop off and looks over the edge. He pulls me closer to the drop-off and I see stairs. I look at Fynn quizzically. “Do you hear it?” He asks. I frown and listen. I shake my head, I don’t hear a thing.
He tugs at my hand I follow behind him down the stairs hesitantly. These stone stairs are steep and not too wide, I see the crashing waves down below and they don’t look too welcoming. I am gripping Fynn’s hand tightly. Once we make it down the stairs, we approach a stone wall. Fynn and I look to each other before he reaches over and runs his hand across the stone; I peer around his shoulder, my eyes following his hand.
Suddenly, the ground below us begins to shake and I wrap my arms around his waist, my cheek pressed against his back. The wall in front of us opens and reveals an entrance. Its pitch black. Fynn grabs my hand and begins making his way into the unknown. I come to a halt and he looks back at me, “Mandy, come.” I swallow hard and purse my lips as I follow him in.
After stumbling down the darkness, we finally see light. I begin to hear music, this must be what Fynn has been hearing, it sounds like a violin, it’s soft and my ears welcome it. It sounds wonderful. Once we make it to the light, we peer in.
It’s an old rundown ballroom. It has a cathedral ceiling, the paint is chipping away on the walls and debris is scattered throughout the room. I gasp when I see skeletons dancing, flowing about and moving along with the soft violin being played. “Hello?” Fynn says. The skeletons don’t seem to notice. Fynn and I look towards each other and he grabs me, pulling me into the room.
He circles around me before holding a hand out, “May I have this dance?” I accept and he takes me into his arms as we sway together, our hips moving in unison. I lay my head on his chest and close my eyes, enjoying the closeness.
“Look.” Fynn whispers in my ear. I open my eyes and discover that the ballroom has come back to life, the walls no longer chipped, the debris gone and the skeletons have gained back their flesh. I gasp and my eyes grow wide as I look towards Fynn. He is smiling, I realize that his attire has changed; he is wearing a blue jacket and brown pants with boots. He looks like a gentleman, his hair however remains careless - something that I adore about him. He is wearing an Italian Masquerade mask, it is black and the nose extends out.
My attire has changed as well; I am wearing a black gown, just like the ones that I wore when I was pretending to court Gregor. I feel my hair; it’s in a tight bun and I also don a mask. Fynn spins me around and I laugh. “What is this?” I ask as he pulls me to him once again. “I’m not sure. But I’m not complaining.” He responds before gently kissing my cheek.
The other’s dancing in the room do not where masks, in fact they have no face at all. This is odd. I look deeply into Fynn’s eyes, “They have no face.” Fynn smiles and rests his cheek against mine, I can feel his breath against my shoulder, “There was a time I didn’t have a face either.” These words reverberate through my body, bouncing around in my mind
My recurring dream. The boy with no face. It’s been him all along. The love of my life. Fynn.
After some time, we depart the ballroom on the side of the cliff. Once we emerge and make our way up the stairs, we look back and discover that the stone wall is just as it was. Our attire is back to the norm. I look up at Fynn and place a hand on his cheek. He places his hand atop mine and gently caresses my knuckles with his thumb.
He makes me so happy. I want him forever. I smile slyly at him before I turn on my heel and run with all my might towards the kingdom. He is on my heels. Once we get to the entrance he grabs me around the waist, laughter escapes me as he whips me around to face him. Our lips meet and I can feel the love course through my veins. Suddenly he sweeps me off my feet and we make our way towards the castle. Once we enter my chamber, he gently lays me on the bed and his weight overcomes me. “I will love you forever.” He whispers, his hair hang
ing down ticking my forehead. “Never leave me Fynn.” He smiles and brushes his nose against mine, “I promise.” He whispers before his kiss claims my heart once again.
Chapter Sixteen
It’s an extremely busy morning. Today, we are set to depart. We have begun stocking the ship food and barrels of drinking water and wine. Fynn, Makin along with the other Amphians and the Norwins will be travelling on the “Warrior”. Breck, the pirates, Nomads and the bears will occupy “Mischief”. We load Skye and Elspath in the “Warrior’s” stables.
I am standing; arms crossed watching the madness in front of me. I would be lying if I said I am not completely, utterly nervous about the events that are about to take place. This is it. Makin stands beside me. His expression is blank. Everything is at stake here. We must not fail. I look down at my friend and place my hand on his shoulder, squeezing gently; I realize I have to be assured before I can assure him.
Mac buzzes by and I reach out for her. She smiles up at me from my palm, “You will do well Mandy! You will beat the evil witch, I just know it!” A smile stretches across my face, “Thank you Mac. You’ve been a good friend.” She ascends into the air once more and makes her way into the woods.
I smile when I see Bett and Andre saying their farewells. Her arms are wrapped around his neck and he embraces her gently, as a man should. Her eyes meet mine and she rushes over to me, grasping my shoulders, “How can I ever thank you?” She asks. I rest my hand on her cheek, “Be happy.” She wraps her arms around me and I her, hugging her tightly. “Stay safe, friend.” She whispers.
I walk towards the ship and grip the rope ladder hanging at its side. I make my way on board and to the bow. I place my hands on the rails, peering down at my reflection in the water; this is not the same girl who entered the mirror. She is strong; her eyes are not wide and curious. They are gentle and knowing. I can do this. I will defeat Hasset!
Fynn appears beside me. It makes me smile, seeing our reflections below. How far we have come together in these past days – Makin was right, I do feel like I have known him my whole life, he is part of me.
My eyes travel from the water to meet his. His wisps of hair are catching in the wind. He saved me from myself; regardless of the consequences that he may face. Tears begin forming in my eyes. The love I have for him, it’s overwhelming. He reaches over and places a hand on my cheek, his thumb circling over my skin. He inhales and quickly pulls me to him, I can hear his heart beat as I lay my head on his chest – this is the reassurance that I needed.
The others aboard the ships and the anchors are lifted. The ship begins dancing forward. Andre is steering the ship and Fynn is playing dice with the others. I make my way to Andre; I stand beside him and close my eyes as the warm breeze meets my face. I look towards him, he looks thoughtful. I wish I could read people’s minds; maybe it would keep my wondering at bay. “Thank you.” I whisper and Andre’s eyes meet mine as a smile creeps across his face. “You know us Norwins – we’re not all that bad.” He says and I smile as I look down at my feet, “Yes, I know this now friend.”
The sun has set and the painter fish have begun creating their masterpiece. I am sitting on a barrel at the bow of the ship. I’m still taking in the beauty of this place, the stars are scattered throughout the sky and the planets are peeking out at me. Fynn is across from me, sleeping on a pallet. The Norwins and Amphians have been drinking for most of the night and are snoring, scattered across the floor. Fiddle has taken over steering; Andre has called it a night.
I am startled when I hear something whisper my name. I look over my shoulder and only see Fiddle’s back facing me as he steers the ship. I hear it once more and stand abruptly. My eyes go travelling, where did that come from? I walk to the port side of the ship and look down, nothing. I look over my shoulder, everyone seems to be asleep, other than Fiddle and I. I turn back towards the water and am startled.
My mother? It can’t be. She is wearing a white gown that is flowing beneath her and her long, amber hair is hanging over her chest. Her skin is milky and healthy. Not jaundiced as it was in the hospital. I gasp as I examine her. My beautiful mother, the one I’ve never known. Tears begin flowing uncontrollably. “Mom?” I shakily whisper. “You must come back to me Mandy.” She says her voice soft and needing.
I begin reaching towards her when Fynn suddenly appears next to me, “Mandy, it’s not what you think.” He whispers as his eyes study mine. “Show yourself witch!” He growls as he turns towards her.
I gasp as her face begins morphing, her gentle eyebrows becoming arched, her lips becoming plumper and blood red. Her eyes are blue; they look like ice on fire. Her hair becomes jet black and her white gown turning into a black leather vest with leather pants and knee high boots. She is holding a black staff and there is a living snake wrapped around it – it’s red with black diamond patterns. It looks as though it’s ready to strike. She is actually quite attractive – quite stunning. But the evil clouds her beauty.
“Hasset!” Fynn exclaims. She smirks. “What’s it to you watcher? Shouldn’t you be at your post?” She shrieks as Fynn glares at her. I step back and her eyes travel back to mine. She reaches forward and places her index finger under my chin, her sharp nail digging into my skin. I step back and flinch as her nail digs deeper, cutting into me. She brings her hand to her face, my blood dripping from her nail onto her palm below her.
Suddenly a cloudy mirror rises from her palm and she grips it tightly in one hand and begins swirling my blood into the glass. Ripples begin appearing and I gasp as I see Matthew on the other side of the mirror. He is lying on his bed, holding a picture of me. I begin reaching towards it when Fynn grabs my wrist, “Mandy, it’s a trick.” Hasset scoffs, “Or is it? Next scene!” The mirror begins swirling and I see my father at the bar. He’s alone. He is tracing his finger on the tumbler in front of him, tears escaping his eyes. Oh dad! Once again the mirror swirls and my poor, lifeless mother is in her hospital bed. I feel the familiar sick feeling in my stomach and tears begin forming in my eyes. I forgot about reality.
I fall to my knees and let the tears flow freely. “Go home girl, you do not belong here!” She exclaims.”Leave us witch!"”Fynn yells as he draws his sword. I am rocking back and forth. My mental state is reverting back to that sad, lonely girl, my confidence is dwindling. How can she make me question everything I have gained through this experience? How does she have that power over me? I can’t let her do this!
Anger overtakes me. My swollen eyes travel up to meet hers and I shakily stand with my fists at my side. I take a step forward and glare at her. “I am not going anywhere Hasset. These people are my people now.” I say through clenched teeth. She tosses the mirror in the air and it turns to dust, “You are playing with fire girl.”
Just like that she dives into the water and disappears. I turn towards Fynn, “The doubt is setting in.” He says, placing a hand on each of my shoulders, “Don’t let her do that to you. She isn’t worth it Mandy.” I sigh and nod slowly. He leans in and kisses my forehead. “Come.” He whispers and leads me over to his pallet on the floor. I lie down with him behind me, cradling me. The boat gently rocks me to sleep.
The sun bears down on me. I pry my eyes opened and see feet moving quickly around the ship. I scramble to sit up. Everyone is busy manning the ship. Andre is back at the wheel; Fynn is in the crow’s nest and Makin speaking amongst the other Amphians. I clumsily get to my feet and make my way to the bow of the ship. I see the Swamp Land in the distance. It’s almost time.
I grip the railing tightly, my heart is picking up the pace, beating away in my chest. What if things do not fare well? What then? All of this would be for nothing? I need to erase this doubt that Hasset clouded my mind with. I’m not weak anymore!
The Swamp Land looks as if it doesn’t belong. Sitting in the beautiful ocean of mermaids and painters fish is a depreciated island, dark clouds floating above it and fog rising from the ground. I’m not sure what to expect, I know that for so
me reason or another I was meant for this battle. Makin appears next to me and rests his hands on the rail. I look down at him and force a smile. “You’re uneasy?” He asks as he peers up at me. I squeeze his shoulder tightly, forcing a smile.
I purse my lips and look at the water splitting in two under the ship. I owe it to Makin, I owe it to Fynn and Breck and all of the others. I’ve come this far already, I can’t turn my back on them. I can’t give up on myself. I turn on my heel and make my way towards Fynn. I grip the rope ladder and climb up to the crow’s nest. Once he turns to face me I grab his face and kiss him with everything I have in me. He makes me crazy, crazy with love.
His hands grip my waist as our lips lock onto one another’s. My hands are through his careless hair. I just want to be closer to him; I want to be part of him. He pulls away and looks into my eyes; he cups my chin and rests his thumb on my bottom lip. “What’s wrong love?” He whispers. I look down at my feet and exhale; it seems I forgot to breathe. I look out to the Swamp Land in the distance, “What if we fail?” I ask.
“What if we do? Nothing is certain. What if we all die? You have to stop doubting yourself. You cannot doubt this mission. We will fail if you do not believe.” He says, his eyes remaining on the island. What does he mean? I still don’t understand why this is my battle. It makes absolutely no sense. A few days ago I would not have even known this incredible world existed.
“We’re nearing the island!” Andre calls from below. Fynn nods and looks to the right at “Mischief”. Breck is looking towards us through a telescope and his is making some sort of gesture towards Fynn. Fynn exchanges returns the gesture and looks towards Andre, “Where are we anchoring the ships?” Andre shields his eyes as he looks towards the island, “That’s a good question!”